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After a strong beginning to their title defense, Napoli will return to their home ground, Stadio Maradona, on Sunday evening for a match against Sassuolo.
Despite encountering an early setback, the reigning Scudetto champions managed to defeat newly promoted Frosinone on the first weekend of Serie A. However, their opponents, Sassuolo, suffered a loss to Atalanta without scoring any goals.
In their previous Saturday's season opener, Napoli found themselves trailing by an early goal against Serie B champions Frosinone at Stadio Benito Stirpe. Yet, a familiar hero stepped in to rescue the team, helping secure a victory and three points for the champions. Victor Osimhen, who had an exceptional start to his Capocannoniere title defense, scored two goals during the game, contributing significantly to Napoli's 3-1 away win.
After comfortably clinching the title in the previous season, ending a 33-year-long wait, Napoli is once again anticipated to rely on Osimhen's goal-scoring abilities in the opposing team's area. The Nigerian striker's goal tally of 26 Serie A goals from the previous term is his benchmark as he aims to outperform himself.
While former coach Luciano Spalletti transitions into his role leading Italy's national team, the current manager Rudi Garcia is entrusted with replicating Napoli's extraordinary achievements, despite the team's relatively modest signings during the summer transfer window.
Despite narrowly missing out on their primary target, Gabri Veiga, who chose a lucrative opportunity in the Saudi Pro League over representing the Italian champions, Garcia will field a familiar lineup for Napoli's season debut at Stadio Maradona on Sunday.
The team's objective is to secure victories in their first two fixtures, a feat they have accomplished eight times in the past 13 seasons. Recent history also favors Napoli, as they remain unbeaten in their last five encounters against Sassuolo in the league, winning eight of the 15 most recent Serie A meetings between the two sides.
Sassuolo's prospects of improving their record against Napoli seem dim, particularly given their disappointing conclusion to the 2022-23 season and their defeat at the start of the new campaign. Following a 2-0 loss to Atalanta, Sassuolo is currently enduring the longest ongoing winless streak in Serie A - a total of seven games, with five losses - putting pressure on head coach Alessio Dionisi to turn their fortunes around swiftly.
Having finished 13th in the previous season, Sassuolo has struggled to maintain the heights achieved during Roberto De Zerbi's successful tenure, which included consecutive top-half finishes. Unfortunately, Dionisi's third year in charge has commenced on a rocky note.
Sassuolo's first competitive match of the 2023-24 season saw them narrowly advance past Coppa Italia first-round opponents Cosenza in extra time. Furthermore, their longstanding key player, Domenico Berardi, was absent during the league defeat last week, amid attempts to secure a move to Juventus. Now, the team faces a challenging journey southward for a tough test in Calcio as they take on Napoli.
In a clash that promises excitement and tactical intrigue, Napoli is set to lock horns with Sassuolo in a Serie A showdown that could have far-reaching implications for both teams. As the football world turns its gaze to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, fans anticipate a thrilling encounter between two sides known for their attacking prowess and commitment to attractive football.
Napoli, under the guidance of their esteemed manager, finds themselves in the midst of a campaign that could potentially see them challenge for the Serie A title. With a squad boasting a mix of seasoned veterans and burgeoning talents, Napoli's attacking lineup, led by the likes of Lorenzo Insigne and Victor Osimhen, has consistently displayed fluidity and creativity. The midfield duo of Fabián Ruiz and Allan has the ability to control the tempo of the game, while the resolute defense, marshaled by Kalidou Koulibaly, aims to thwart any opposition advances. Sitting comfortably in the upper echelons of the league table, Napoli will view this fixture as an opportunity to secure three crucial points and maintain their momentum.
Sassuolo, on the other hand, enters this contest with a point to prove. Positioned as a mid-table side, Sassuolo has exhibited moments of brilliance throughout the season. Spearheaded by Domenico Berardi's clinical finishing and Manuel Locatelli's astute midfield presence, Sassuolo can pose a serious threat to any defense. However, defensive inconsistencies have at times hampered their progress. As they prepare to face a formidable Napoli attack, Sassuolo's defense, led by Gianmaria Ferrari, will need to be at its resolute best to contain their opponent's intricate build-up play.
